Tag Archives: Matuka

The Steelhead Matuka is an adaptation of the New Zealand method of Matuka flies. The traditional Matukas use feathers for the wing, but the steelhead version uses a rabbit strip. While the pattern has been developed as a “steelhead” fly, I think it will make a great fly to use in pursuit of other trout, salmon, pike, and bass.

Perhaps the nickname is lost in translation, I can’t say I’ve ever met a “Banana”. This is a pretty interesting presentation for a fly tying video, and although my Spanish is non-existent, it’s pretty easy to follow. Matuka patterns are really great, but I tend to not tie them because they take a bit of extra time and patience. The best thing about them IMO is that you don’t need to worry about long wings getting fouled in the hook. One other thing to note, you may not want to put feathers in your mouth, if you need to have them damp, have a glass of water close by. Unless you prepared the feathers yourself, there could be any number of unsavory items in the material.

Here is a nice spey style Matuka fly by Ontario guide Ken Chandler. I like the use of the rabbit as the back material, and I can see already a number of versions I could tie this up in. Olives, black, orange, purple, yum. The step by step tutorial is well done and easy to follow. If you happen to tie up a few, post em.